The cost of living rose by 2.2% in the year to January, official figures have revealed.

Although the prices of goods and services fell by 0.5% last month, the rate of increase remained strong over the rest of the year.

Higher mortgage costs, increases in electricity, petrol and diesel, and home heating bills, hikes in health insurance and education charges were to blame for the rise, the Central Statistics Office said.

The inflation report however found cheaper clothing and footwear prices thanks to high street sales and there were also lower prices in restaurants, cafes and licensed premises.